Line Integral over circle region

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the line integral ∫c (x + y) ds, where C is a circle centered at (1/2, 0) with a radius of 1/2. Participants are exploring the implications of the circle's center and the parametrization of the curve.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to parametrize the circle and calculate the line integral, questioning the impact of the circle's center on their results. Some express confusion over the direction of traversal and its effect on the integral's value.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the parametrization and the assumptions made regarding the circle's center. Some participants have noted discrepancies in their calculations and are seeking clarification on potential mistakes. Guidance has been offered to double-check the problem statement and the parametrization used.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention that the problem statement did not specify the direction of traversal, leading to assumptions that may affect their results. There is also a note about the circle's center not being at the origin, which raises questions about how this affects the integral.

says
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Homework Statement


Evaluate ∫c (x + y) ds, where C is the circle centred at (1/2, 0) with radius 1/2.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


parametrise
x=1/2cos(t)
y=1/2sin(t)
0≤t≤2π
ds=√dx2+dy2
=√(1/2)2-sin2(t)+(1/2)2cos2(t)
=√-(1)2(1/2)2sin2(t)+(1/2)2cos2(t)
=√-(1)2(1/2)2(sin2(t)+cos2(t))
ds=1/2

∫ [(1/2)cos(t) + (1/2)sin(t)]*(1/2) dt, where 0≤t≤2π

I evaluated this integral and got 0. Is this because C is a simple closed curve?
 
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says said:

Homework Statement


Evaluate ∫c (x + y) ds, where C is the circle centred at (1/2, 0) with radius 1/2.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


parametrise
x=1/2cos(t)
y=1/2sin(t)
0≤t≤2π
ds=√dx2+dy2
=√(1/2)2-sin2(t)+(1/2)2cos2(t)
=√-(1)2(1/2)2sin2(t)+(1/2)2cos2(t)
=√-(1)2(1/2)2(sin2(t)+cos2(t))
ds=1/2

∫ [(1/2)cos(t) + (1/2)sin(t)]*(1/2) dt, where 0≤t≤2π

I evaluated this integral and got 0. Is this because C is a simple closed curve?

I evaluated the (correct) integral and obtained an answer of ##\pi/n##, where ##n## is an integer whose exact value I will not divulge at this time. I assumed the circle was traversed in a counter-clockwise direction, which you did not mention in the problem statement.
 
The problem statement didn't mention the direction. So I just assume anti-clockwise.

Do you know where I have made my mistake? I have been on this problem for a while now and can't seem to find it. I've put the integral into a computation as well and got back 0 as the answer.
 
says said:
The problem statement didn't mention the direction. So I just assume anti-clockwise.

Do you know where I have made my mistake? I have been on this problem for a while now and can't seem to find it. I've put the integral into a computation as well and got back 0 as the answer.

PF rules forbid me from telling you exactly where your mistake lies. All I can do is urge you to be more careful, and to read the question carefully.
 
Argh!

The circle is centred at (1/2,0) not at the origin. I'm not entirely sure how this changes anything though.
 
says said:
Argh!

The circle is centred at (1/2,0) not at the origin. I'm not entirely sure how this changes anything though.
Since C is a circle, perhaps a more natural expression for ds would be r ⋅ dθ
 
I found a source online that suggested if the circle is not at the origin then:
x = h + r cos(t)
y = k + r sin(t)
so
x = 1/2 + (1/2 cos(t))
y = 1/2 sin(t)
edit: FOUND THE INFO I WAS LOOKING FOR!

Circle with Center at Point (h,k)
http://www.regentsprep.org/regents/math/geometry/gcg6/LCirh3.gif
where the center is (h,k)
and the radius is r

so

x= 1/2cos(t)-1/2
y= 1/2sin(t)
 
says said:
I found a source online that suggested if the circle is not at the origin then:
x = h + r cos(t)
y = k + r sin(t)
so
x = 1/2 + (1/2 cos(t))
y = 1/2 sin(t)
edit: FOUND THE INFO I WAS LOOKING FOR!

Circle with Center at Point (h,k)
http://www.regentsprep.org/regents/math/geometry/gcg6/LCirh3.gif
where the center is (h,k)
and the radius is r

so

x= 1/2cos(t)-1/2
y= 1/2sin(t)

In one place you wrote ##x = (1/2) + (1/2)\cos(t)##, while in another place you wrote ##x = -(1/2) + (1/2)\cos(t)##. So, which is it?
 

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